Uses For Aloe Vera
What do sunburns, itchy insect bites, and heartburn all have in common? Totally stumped? (Probably not, since the answer is in the title.) They can all be tackled and soothed by a small dose of aloe vera! I can’t think of a better time than summer to stock aloe vera juice and aloe vera gel. Our skin, the largest organ we have, takes a constant toll being exposed to sun, insects, heat, and other factors. Aloe vera is a super plant. Labeled the “plant of immortality” by ancient Egyptians, aloe vera provides healing benefits whether taken internally, or applied externally. What to look for When I refer to aloe vera gel, I’m talking about pure aloe gel – not the green, medicated, chemical-filled stuff. Of course, skinning your own aloe plants is the best way to go. Purchasing a good bottle of aloe vera gel can be difficult. Always read the ingredients and fine print; the information the company may be trying to distract you from reading (by using attractive fonts and pictures, etc.). 1. 2. 3.
10 Amazing Uses For Aloe Vera. Plus: What Do You Use It For?
Posted by Siobhan on Thursday, February 23, 2012 · 60 Comments The other day, I was reminded of something Alexandra and I discovered when we were writing the book: That basically every beauty biff under the sun could be ameliorated with a little aloe. As we started studying ingredient lists on our old products, we noticed that so many products we’d known and loved for years had aloe listed first on the ingredient list, which, remember, means there’s more of it in there than any other ingredient. So if aloe was doing much of the heavy lifting (or taming, as the case may be) in so many of our products, couldn’t we use it on its own, too? But of course. One of the great things about familiarizing yourself with ingredients—and not just finished products—is that you start to figure out what works well for you and why. Now, without further ado: Here are the 10 (sort of) science-backed uses for aloe vera: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. What’d I miss? Image (cc) via Flickr user Erik Mallinson
Shower Gel Recipes for dry, sensitive or oily, blemished skin.
Ingredient Benefits: Rose water for gentle care: Rose water is often found in commercial cosmetic products because of its fragrant, softening and mildly astringent properties. The delicate water is obtained from a steam distillation process that can extract the oil. Its gentle effect make rose water great for use in shower gels, creams and lotions. Baby shampoo for a base: Unscented natural baby shampoo, available in health-food stores, makes a good base for a shower gel. Liquid castile soap for sensitive skin: Liquid castile soap is a concentrated solution of an olive-oil based soap. Orange-blossom water for oily skin: Orange-blossom water, sometimes called neroli water, helps improve and refine pores as well as refresh oily skin.
Homemade Coconut Milk - The Recipe to Remember
Aristotle postulated that the essence of life is to serve others and do good. The Dalai Lama told us the purpose of life is to be happy. Douglas Adams said the answer to life, the universe, and everything is 42. I’m going to have to call shenanignas on all of it, because I have discovered the meaning, purpose, and answer to life. Today. It is homemade coconut milk. Coconut milk: Love in a cup. WAIT! So just chillax (that’s right, I said it) and learn how to make homemade coconut milk in something like 5 minutes or less. (Also, I’m sorry you don’t like to drink the purpose of life.) First, I have to say thanks to Pinterest for eventually taking me to several recipe sites that told me how to make my own coconut milk. Now, when I said it takes 5 minutes or less, I really meant it. You want to know how to do this, don’t you? Here’s what you need: 1/2 c. coconut milk, 4 cups of really hot water, a blender/food processor, and something to store your coconut milk in. 1. This is easy so far, right? 2.
